The lift truck is an important piece of equipment in most companies which operate warehouses, distribution centers, industrial and storage handling facilities. This wonder machine, the lift truck is constructed of many parts, including the important carriage, the engine, the power source and the wheels. Forklifts normally have a variety of attachments too. The following are several of the most important forklift parts.
Lift Truck Engine - the lift truck is made with a power source at the rear of the machine. Different kinds of lift trucks have various kinds of engine that require varying power sources. For instance, a lift truck with an IC engine can have as its power source any of the following: diesel, gasoline, LP gas or CNG gas. Electric motor lift trucks receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Truck Frame - the base of the lift truck and the most important of all the forklift parts is the frame of the truck. This forms the equipment's core. All other forklift parts are connected to the base, like the axles, mast, wheels counterweight and overhead guard. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks may also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Forklift Parts - While carrying heavy loads, the counterweight allows the equipment to be balanced. This particular component is cast iron and comes attached to the back of the forklift. The counterbalance balances the truck frame to prevent it from tipping over when a load is being carried or lifted on the front. The heavy lead-acid battery in an electric forklift provides balance and could work as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - The cab is also known as the operator compartment. Lift trucks would sometimes have closed cabs while others would be open to the air. There are really numerous components located in the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such important parts like the operator controls, steering wheel, pedals, seats, levers and switches. The dashboard contains operator readouts.